Iowa, Indiana Leaders Visit Arkansas to Study Restore Hope Model

Visitors from Iowa, Indiana, and Canada traveled to Arkansas this week to study the Restore Hope model—a collaborative, community-driven approach to supporting families in crisis. Iowa is preparing to launch the model under the name Thrive Iowa, while Indiana leaders are evaluating its potential for their own communities. In Alberta, Canada, the model already operates under Hope Grand Prairie and in Arkansas it is known as the 100 Families Initiative.

During the visit, guests observed how Arkansas communities use monthly alliance meetings to unite service providers around the real and urgent challenges families in their area are facing. They also heard from Restore Hope’s legal resolution team, which helps families navigate and overcome legal barriers that often stand between them and lasting stability. And, they learned about tracking outcomes in HopeHub, the technology behind the model.

The visit included a trip to Pine Bluff, where officials learned how Jefferson County operates its 100 Families Initiative. There, local service providers use the HopeHub case management platform to coordinate support for families facing complex challenges—ranging from housing and food insecurity to limited access to healthcare, childcare, and education.

Presenters in Jefferson County included several members of the court system, leaders from Southeast Arkansas College (SEARK), DHS representatives, and staff from community organizations like the Boys and Girls Club.

Restore Hope’s Chief Operations Officer, Karen Phillips, explained that the model has demonstrated measurable success in reducing the number of children who must be removed from their homes and placed in foster care. By helping families address root causes and achieve stability, she said, the issues that once led to removal can be addressed and remedied.

Visitors also toured Arkansas Baptist Children and Family Ministries to see how the faith community partners to support children in foster care and Immerse Arkansas to learn how the organization serves youth transitioning out of foster care.